Bangladesh swept into the final of the Emerging Teams Asia Cup after swatting aside Afghanistan by seven wickets in the second semi-final at Mirpur Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka Thursday.
Chasing 229, the second string Bangladesh side reached their destination in 39.5 overs, thanks to brisk half-centuries from opener Soumya Sarkar (61) and captain Nazmul Hossain Shanto (59) and quickfire knocks by No 4 batter Yasir Ali (38*) and youngster Afif Hossain (45*).
Afghanistan’s Abdul Wasi bagged two wickets.
The name Amad Butt may not shine brightly in the scoreboard but the 24-year pacer did a splendid job as he conceded just four runs in the final over for @TheRealPCB against arch-rival @BCCI in the Emerging Asia Cup to secure a final berth.https://t.co/RSXwcWZlvc#PAKISTAN #PCB
— Dhaka Tribune Sports (@Sport_DT) November 20, 2019
Earlier, asked to bat first, Afghanistan were restricted to 228 for the loss of nine wickets.
Right-arm seamer Hasan Mahmud and player of the match Soumya bagged three wickets each, while left-arm spinner Tanvir Islam picked up two wickets.
Afghanistan’s No 4 batsman Darwish Rasooli top-scored with 114 while lower-order batters Waheedullah Shafaq and Tariq Stanikzai made 34 and 33 respectively.
Bangladesh will take on Pakistan in the grand finale Saturday at the same venue.